Occupational Health and Safety Committee
Nursing is a demanding and hazardous profession with some of the highest rates of injury and illness. You and your fellow Local 196 members/dues payers have the right to raise concerns regarding health and safety issues in your workplace. The employer is legally responsible to provide you with a safe and healthy workplace. Your workplace is defined as any place you are required to perform work as directed by your employer (home, school, clinic, church, residence, etc.).
The Collective Agreement outlines a specific process for dealing with OH&S issues and concerns, regardless of what processes or procedures the employer wishes to utilize. Article 34: Occupational Health and Safety refers to an OH&S Committee that is made up of both Union (Local 196) and Employer (Alberta Health Services) representatives. The committee meets monthly and Local 196 OH&S committee members are elected at the Local AGM.
Process for dealing with an OH&S concern:
1. Discuss with your supervisor/manager and attempt to resolve. If not resolved, please complete the UNA OH&S form and contact Local 196 OH&S Representative. (Rep can help you complete the form if not clear).
2. Local 196 representatives present the concern/issue to the OH&S Committee and make recommendations for eliminating or controlling the workplace hazard. If the issue is not resolved, it will be advanced to the next step.
3. The issue is referred to the CEO and a meeting is set to discuss the matter within 21 days. If the matter still remains unresolved, it is advanced to the Alberta Health Services Board.
4. The Local 196 representatives present the concern and recommendations to the AHS Board. The Board has 14 days to respond.
Local 196 Representatives on the OH&S Committee:
Please feel free to contact any of the Local representatives if you have any questions or concerns about anything relating to Occupational Health and Safety. We are committed to the safest possible working conditions for nurses.
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